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Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli homers in win over Twins

Napoli took an inside pitch and ended up delivering with a broken-bat home run.

"I watched the video on it," said Napoli. "It looked like I got the barrel to it. My at-bat before, when I shot the ball to right field, he kind of got in a little bit on me. That's probably where it broke there."

"It was just a weird feeling," said Napoli. "The bat exploded and it was just kind of sitting there. It's a weird feeling any time you do that. I don't know. I can't really explain it. I was just kind of running around the bases like, 'What just happened?'"

Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli scratched with sore right ankle

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(3/20/2015)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was scratched from Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to a sore right ankle, according to Comcast SportsNet Northeast. Brock Holt will take over for him at first base.

Napoli told reporters that the injury is not believed to be serious. He is hitting .381 (8 for 21) this spring.

Mike Napoli smacks pair of HRs in Grapefruit game vs. Pirates

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(3/14/2015)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli smacked a pair of home runs and provided Boston's only runs in a 5-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates on Saturday.

Napoli revealed he was "banged up" with toe, finger and back issues last spring. He's now healthy and hitting .467 in Grapefruit League action.

"I mean, I was banged up last year, too," Napoli said, per WEEI. "I was dealing with my toe, my finger, I had some back issues going on, I had a lot of things going on last year. Overall, I'm healthy right now. I've got energy. I'm sleeping at night. It's totally different. The way I feel now to how I did before is good for me."

(2/24/2015)Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters that first baseman Mike Napoli and outfielder Shane Victorino are all "full-go" for his club's first full-squad workout on Wednesday, per the Boston Globe. Napoli had offseason surgery to correct a sleep apnea condition, and Victorino had offseason back surgery back in August.

Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli reenergized after apnea surgery

by Shawn Krest | CBSSports.com

(2/23/2015)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli had offseason surgery to correct a sleep apnea condition, and he's arrived at spring training as a new man.

"I'm getting a lot of sleep. I'm energized, it's been good," he told Boston.com. "It's been night and day," he said. "Just my energy level. When I wake up and when I get out of bed and get my day started. Before I'd lay in bed until like one o'clock. It's totally different."

The improved sleep patterns gave Napoli more energy for offseason workouts, and he thinks it will improve his ability to recover as the season wears on.

Napoli underwent facial reconstruction surgery to correct a lifelong battle with sleep apnea this winter, which made him consider retirement. Napoli now wants end his career with the Red Sox.

"I'd love to finish my career here," Napoli said. "And with this surgery, I think it's going to put a lot of years on my career, just being able to stay healthy, my body recouping. We've got a good team, and I like it so much here. It fits me well."

Napoli slashed .240/.370/.419 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI in 415 at-bats last season, marking the first time since 2007 he failed to hit 20 home runs.

Sleep apnea almost caused Red Sox's Mike Napoli to retire

"I couldn't do it anymore, feeling the way I was feeling," Napoli said. "I was like, 'I need to have the surgery or I'm not going play anymore.' That's how bad it was."

During the offseason, Napoli underwent facial reconstruction surgery to correct the condition, which was preventing him from getting a proper night of rest.

"It was a brutal process," Napoli said. "It was probably one of the worse things I've ever done."

With the surgery a success and Napoli recovered from losing weight due to a six-week liquid diet, Napoli is now sleeping better than he ever has.

Before the surgery, Napoli turned to medication, mouthpieces and a CPAP mask, but said those problems are now behind him.

"I wake up now and I'm ready to start my day," he said. "It's great."

Red Sox's Napoli back up to 230 pounds, to resume hitting Friday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/15/2015)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, who underwent surgery in November to address sleep apnea, is expected to resume hitting Friday, agent Brian Greiper told The Boston Globe. Grieper added Napoli is back up to 230 pounds after losing weight following the surgery because he was unable to eat.

Aside from dealing with sleep apnea, Napoli also dealt with injuries to his finger, toe, knee and back in 2014. He was limited to 119 games last season, batting .248 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles and 55 RBI. Napoli hit .259 with 23 home runs, 38 doubles and 82 RBI in 2013.

Mike Napoli undergoes successful surgery for sleep apnea

The surgery is expected to keep Napoli hospitalized for a few days, but will not affect his 2015 season.

In 2014, Napoli hit .240/.370/.419 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI.

Mike Napoli to undergo surgery for sleep disorder

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/14/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is slated to undergo surgery in early November to alleviate sleep apnea, WEEI.com reports.

"I’ve been dealing with sleep apnea for a long time, my whole career," Napoli wrote in a text. "I’ve tried numerous things and none of them worked. Dental mouth piece, CPAP machine, medicines … It’s just gotten to the point where I have to get this done."

Napoli also dealt with injuries to his finger, toe and back this season, but he isn't scheduled for any further surgery. He hit .240/.370/.419 with 17 home runs and 55 RBI in 415 at-bats this season, marking the first time since 2007 he has failed to collect 20 home runs.

Mike Napoli may not play again

Napoli is dealing with toe, back and finger injuries. Napoli has not played since September 17. He's hitting .248/.370/.419 over 415 at-bats.

Red Sox pair set to sit again Thursday

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(9/25/2014)Red Sox sluggers David Ortiz (soreness) and Mike Napoli (back, toe, finger) are both absent from the Thursday lineup against visiting Tampa Bay.

Ortiz has played just once since Thursday. Napoli has been out since Sept. 17 and is hitless in his last 14 at-bats.

Mike Napoli remains out Wednesday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/24/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was not in the team's starting lineup Wednesday.

Napoli is dealing with a finger injury, and has been sidelined since September 17. He's hoping to return to action before the end of the season. Napoli is hitting .248/.370/.419 over 415 at-bats.

Mike Napoli hopes to play again before end of season

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/23/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is hopeful he'll be able to play before the end of the season Sunday, MLB.com reports. Napoli has been sidelined for nearly a week with finger, back and toe injuries.

David Ortiz, Mike Napoli return to lineup Saturday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/13/2014)Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and first baseman Mike Napoli returned to the lineup Saturday after missing Friday's game against the Royals. Ortiz was held out Friday with a foot injury, while Napoli has dealt with injuries to his finger and toe.

Mike Napoli, David Ortiz both plagued by injuries Friday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/12/2014)The Red Sox will hold first baseman Mike Napoli and designated hitter David Ortiz out of the lineup Friday against the Royals due to injuries, the Boston Globe reports. Napoli is nursing injuries to his finger and toe, while Ortiz has been plagued by a foot injury. Both players remain day to day moving forward.

Mike Napoli returns to lineup

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(9/8/2014)After missing Sunday's game with nausea, Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli returned to the lineup Monday against the Orioles, bumping Allen Craig to the bench. He'll look to pick up where he left off before the illness, batting .400 (6 for 15) with a home run in five September games.

Mike Napoli out of lineup with illness

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(9/7/2014)Mike Napoli was not in the Red Sox's starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays. He exited Saturday's contest early with nausea.

Allen Craig got the nod at first base in Napoli's absence.

Mike Napoli leaves early with illness

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/6/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli left Saturday's game against the Blue Jays due to an illness, according to the Providence Journal.

Napoli left prior to the start of the third inning. He singled and scored a run in his only at-bat. He was replaced by Daniel Nava.

Mike Napoli knocks 17th home run Monday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/1/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in Monday's 4-3 win over the Rays.

Napoli was 0 for 12 in his last three games of August before coming through with a fourth-inning home run Monday. He has hit .251/.371/.433 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI in 386 at-bats.

Mike Napoli hits home run into fifth deck at Rogers Centre

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/27/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli hit a three-run homer in the 11th inning Tuesday at Toronto, helping Boston to an 11-7 win. Napoli's home run went into the fifth deck at Rogers Centre, making it the 17th time in stadium history a player has homered into the fifth deck.

"It's always nice to mess around with your teammates and everyone's just going crazy in the dugout," Napoli said, per MLB.com. "But it's just a homer."

Napoli finished 2 for 5 with two runs, one hit by pitch and three strikeouts. He is batting .206 with three doubles, four home runs, 14 RBI, 14 walks, nine runs and 25 strikeouts in 20 August games.

Mike Napoli returns from three-game absence

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/23/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is back in the lineup Saturday against the Mariners, as expected. Napoli had missed three games due to back spasms, but was feeling better Friday, and expected to be back in the lineup.

Mike Napoli expected back Saturday

Napoli is dealing with back spasms. He's missed two games due to the injury. Napoli is hitting .266/.385/.446 over 354 at-bats.

Back injury still keeping Mike Napoli sidelined

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/22/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is still out of the lineup Friday against the Mariners, as he continues to deal with back spasms. He has missed the team's last three games now, and remains day to day moving forward through the team's weekend series against the Mariners.

Red Sox missing punch in middle of lineup Thursday

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/21/2014)The Red Sox will be without designated hitter David Ortiz (soreness), third baseman Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) and first baseman Mike Napoli (back) for Thursday's game against the Angels, as all three are out of the starting lineup. They remain day to day collectively moving forward.

Mike Napoli dealing with back spasms

Napoli is not available for Wednesday's game due to the injury. The club called up Alex Hassan as a possible replacement. Napoli has not been placed on the disabled list, so there's a chance he's just day-to-day for now.

Mike Napoli connects for third August home run

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/13/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli drove in three runs during a 5-4 win Wednesday at Cincinnati. He had one RBI when he reached on a fielder's choice in the first inning and added two more RBI on a home run in the fifth inning that put Boston ahead 5-3.

Napoli, who has 15 home runs, homered for the third time in 11 August games. However, he is batting .206 (7 for 34) this month. Napoli does have two doubles and seven RBI in August.

Mike Napoli slugs 14th home run Friday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(8/9/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went 1 for 3 with a walk and a solo home run in his team's 4-2 win over the Angels Friday.

After the two teams combined for five runs in the third inning, Napoli gave the Red Sox an insurance run with his fifth-inning blast. It was his fourth home run of the second half as well as his second home run in August. Napoli has hit .272/.385/.457 with 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 324 at-bats.

Mike Napoli goes deep in loss

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/2/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli proved a finger injury is not limiting Saturday, as he went deep in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees.

Napoli had just one hit, but it was a big one, as he slugged a two-run home run in the second inning to build an early lead. He finished the game 1 for 3 with one run scored, two driven in, and one walk.

Napoli has been stuck in big of a slump recently, hitting just .172 with one home run over the last nine games. He is hitting .269/.387/.448 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI in 87 games overall this season.

Mike Napoli a no-go Tuesday

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(7/29/2014)Scuffling Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is out of the Tuesday lineup against Toronto. Mike Carp is starting at that spot instead.

Napoli has just three hits in his last 19 at-bats with no runs or RBI. But he still boasts a strong stat line of .272/.389/.443 on the season.

Mike Napoli homers in three-hit night Monday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(7/21/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went 3 for 5 with a double, a solo home run and three runs scored in his team's 14-1 win over the Blue Jays Monday.

Napoli has homered in back-to-back games while reaching base six times and scoring five runs. He had been relatively quiet in July before the break, but he's 7 for 12 since the break, giving him a .280/.398/.462 line with 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 279 at-bats.

Mike Napoli absent from Sunday lineup

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(7/20/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli will not get a chance Sunday to extend his four-game hitting streak unless he pinch-hits. He is out of the lineup with Mike Carp taking his place.

Napoli has six hits in his last 14 at-bats, including a home run to help his team beat Kansas City on Saturday.

Mike Napoli smacks 11th home run Saturday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(7/20/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went 2 for 3 with a walk and a solo home run in his team's 2-1 win over the Royals Saturday.

Napoli has strung together back-to-back two-hit games coming out of the break, but Saturday's home run was his first of the month. He has hit .274/.395/.445 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI in 274 at-bats.

David Ortiz, Mike Napoli hit back-to-back HRs in win

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/18/2014)David Ortiz and Mike Napoli hit back-to-back homers in the bottom of the 10th inning Wednesday, sending Boston to a 2-1 win.

The heart of the Red Sox order was set to face Casey Fien in the bottom of the 10th with Twins closer Glen Perkins unvailable due to a sore back. Dustin Pedroia began the inning with a fly out to right field before Ortiz connected for his 16th home run and Napoli won the game with his seventh home run.

Mike Napoli reaches three times Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/14/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli reached three times Friday against the Indians.

Napoli walked in his first plate appearance. His second time up, he clubbed a double. He added a single in his next at-bat. Napoli finished 2 for 3, with one run and two RBI. Napoli is hitting .274/.398/.434 over 175 at-bats.

Mike Napoli goes deep in first game back from injury

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(6/9/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli picked up right where he left off in his first game back from the disabled list on Sunday, homering in a 5-3 win over the Tigers in Detroit.

Napoli singled twice and took starter Anibal Sanchez deep for a solo home run in the sixth inning. He finished 3 for 4 with one run scored and one RBI. He is hitting .272 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 158 at-bats.

Mike Napoli activated from disabled list Sunday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(6/8/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was officially activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday's game against Detroit. Napoli is hitting fifth in the order. He batted .260 in 154 at-bats before a finger injury.

DL not ruled out for Mike Napoli

Napoli is still bothered by a dislocated finger, and the Boston Herald reports he is also dealing with hamstring and calf injuries that kept him out of the lineup. To top it off, he is also feeling ill, and will likely need a few more days of, with the disabled list being a possibility.

Mike Napoli back in lineup for Red Sox

(5/23/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has recovered from an illness that has kept him out of the lineup since Tuesday and is back for the Friday night game against Tampa Bay.

Napoli has five hits in the last three games he played before being sidelined.

Illness has Mike Napoli out again Thursday

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(5/22/2014)A bout with the flu has Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli sidelined again Thursday in the series finale against Toronto. He also missed the Wednesday game.

The loss of Napoli and his fine .399 on-base percentage certainly does not help a team that owns a six-game losing streak, the longest current run of futility in the major leagues.

Mike Napoli getting night off against Toronto

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(5/21/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is set to sit Wednesday against the visiting Blue Jays. Mike Carp has taken his place in the lineup. Napoli is out with an illness.

Napoli has played in all but two of his team's games this season and has emerged from a 6-for-35 slump with five hits in his last three games combined.

Mike Napoli back in lineup Tuesday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(5/6/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Reds after sitting out Sunday to rest a finger injury. Napoli enters play Tuesday mired in a 2-for-12 slump to begin May.

Mike Napoli gets chance to rest lingering finger injury

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(5/4/2014)Red Sox manager John Farrell said sitting Mike Napoli Sunday against the A's was a chance to give him two days off, coupled with Monday's off-day, so he could rest some nagging injuries, including a finger on his left hand that he dislocated two weeks ago.

"He’s still trying to get over some things he’s banged up with and today being a day and then tomorrow, hopefully we can get further ahead of it," Farrell said, per WEEI.com. "If you notice after every at-bat, he’s getting taped up with that finger so it’s something that he still contends with.

"It speaks to his pain threshold, which is obviously high. The one thing that is extremely noticeable is the two-strike approach, where there is a willingness to cut down the swing to stay under control a little bit more without sacrificing too much power and I think it’s translated to the on-base and the overall average."

Mike Napoli gets a rest Sunday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(5/4/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was not in the team's starting lineup Sunday against the Athletics.

Napoli was replaced by Mike Carp at first. It's a normal day off for Napoli. He should return to the lineup Monday. He's hitting .290 in 107 at-bats.

Mike Napoli sitting Saturady

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(4/26/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the team's starting lineup Saturday.

It's a normal day off for Napoli. He should return to the lineup Sunday. Mike Carp will start in his place and hit cleanup against Brandon Morrow.

Mike Napoli reaches four times Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(4/26/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was an on-base machine Friday against the Blue Jays.

Napoli walked in his first at-bat, and doubled his second time up. In the fifth inning, he added a single. He walked again in the sixth, driving in a run. He waited until his final at-bat of the game to make an out, hitting a grounder to short.

Napoli finished 2 for 3, with two walks. He scored one run and drove in one RBI. Napoli is hitting .307.

Mike Napoli OK to play despite getting hit by pitch Sunday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/21/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli made it into the lineup Monday against the Orioles after getting hit on the knee by a pitch in the ninth inning of Sunday night's game. Napoli stayed at the ballpark overnight to get treatment so he could be ready for Monday morning's game.

"While there's some soreness, he's ready to go," manager John Farrell told reporters. "The way he went down, it didn't look promising. We were somewhat anxious to see how he would respond."

Mike Napoli ready to roll Thursday for Red Sox

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4/17/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has returned to the lineup for the Thursday game against the White Sox after being inactive since injuring his firger Tuesday.

Napoli had begun to emerge from a mini-slump with three hits, including a home run, in two games after experiencing a 1-for-13 slide.

Manager: Mike Napoli out on Wednesday

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(4/16/2014)John Farrell has revealed to WEEI that first baseman Mike Napoli will not be in the lineup for the Wednesday game against the White Sox. Napoli is day-to-day with a left finger injury sustained on a head-first slide into second base Tuesday night. He is waiting for the swelling to dissipate.

Napoli boasts an impressive stat line of .302/.393/.509.

Mike Napoli suffers dislocated finger

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(4/16/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli jammed his finger while sliding into second base Tuesday against the White Sox, but appears to have suffered a serious injury. Napoli left the game in the top of the ninth after suffering the injury, but X-rays taken after the game revealed he suffered a dislocation, not a break or fracture to his ring finger.

Though the injury is not as severe as it might have been, Napoli might still end up missing some time. He went 1 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base prior to suffering the injury, and will likely be considered day to day moving forward.

Mike Napoli lifts off in loss to Yankees

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4/13/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went deep for his third home run of the season Sunday night against the Yankees.

Napoli took starter Ivan Nova yard for a solo home run in the sixth inning, one of the few bright spots in his team's 3-2 defeat. He added a double and finished 2 for 4 with one run scored and one RBI, raising his average to .300 on the year.

Mike Napoli goes yards in extra-inning loss to Milwaukee

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4/6/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli launched his second home run of the season Saturday night against the Brewers.

Napoli took starter Wily Peralta deep for a three-run home run in the third inning. He added a single and finished 2 for 4 with a run scored and three RBI in a 7-6 loss. He is hitting .263 (5 for 19) with two home runs and seven RBI in his first five games.

Mike Napoli homers, drives in four in win Wednesday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(4/3/2014)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli went 2 for 5 with his first home run of the season and four RBI in his team's 6-2 win over the Orioles Wednesday.

Napoli had a strong debut Monday, going 1 for 2 with a double and two walks. He improved upon it Wednesday, and he's reached base in five of his first nine trips to the plate. Napoli has smacked 20 home runs or more in each of his last six seasons despite never receiving 500 at-bats in a season during his career.

Red Sox officially bring Mike Napoli back

(12/12/2013)The Red Sox officially re-signed first baseman Mike Napoli to a two-year, $32-million deal Thursday. He hit .259/.360/.482 with 23 home runs and 92 RBI in 498 at-bats for Boston last season.

Red Sox re-sign Mike Napoli to two-year deal

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/6/2013)The Red Sox have agreed to re-sign first baseman Mike Napoli to a two-year, $32 million deal, according to a report from WEEI in Boston on Friday.

Napoli, 32, remained relatively healthy last year and played 139 games for Boston after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. He owned a .259/.360/.482 slash line with 23 home runs and 92 RBI over 498 at-bats. He drew interest from the Rockies, Mariners, Marlins and Rangers before returning to Boston.

Marlins considering Mike Napoli

Napoli is good friends with catcher Jeff Mathis, and could consider the team based on his other options. While the Marlins aren't expected to be in on many free-agents, they could test the waters if Napoli comes at the right price. Napoli is expected to receive significant interest, however, so it's unclear if Miami really has a shot.

Mariners also interested in Mike Napoli

The team has been involved on many of the top free-agents, so their pursuit of Napoli shouldn't come as a surprise. Seattle was also interested in Napoli last year, but also wanted him to play catcher. With his hip issue, that may have changed things. If the team isn't willing to use Napoli behind the plate, it could signal a loss of playing time for Justin Smoak.

Napoli is the most attractive of the three after hitting .259 with 23 homers, 92 RBI and an .842 OPS for the Red Sox last season. The Red Sox would like to bring him back on a one-year deal, but he has already turned down a $14.1 million qualifying offer.

Mike Napoli to pass on qualifying offer

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(11/11/2013)CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that free agent first baseman Mike Napoli is expected to reject the Red Sox's qualifying offer. Rather than take the one-year, $14.1 million deal, Napoli will further explore the free agent market.

If Napoli signs with a team other than the Red Sox, they will receive a draft pick as compensation.

Mike Napoli's hip looks better

During his exit physical, Napoli's hip reportedly looked better than it did last offseason. Napoli was able to get through the season without many injury issues, playing in 139 games. He hit .259/.360/.482 in 498 at-bats.

Mike Napoli tendered with qualifying offer

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(11/4/2013)The Red Sox made a qualifying offer to first baseman Mike Napoli on Monday, as reported by the Boston Globe.

Napoli is expected to reject the one-year, $14.1 million deal and test the free agent market.

Red Sox to make qualifying offer to Mike Napoli

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/31/2013)The Red Sox plan to make a qualifying offer to free agent first baseman Mike Napoli, CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports. The offer, worth $14.1 million this offseason, allows the Red Sox to earn a compensatory pick if Napoli declines the offer and signs elsewhere.

Napoli earned $13 million in 2013 after reaching all the incentives on his one-year, $5-million deal. He hit .259/.360/.482 with 23 home runs and 92 RBI in 498 at-bats over 139 games during the regular season and then went 10 for 46 with two home runs and seven RBI during the postseason.

Mike Napoli received second cortisone shot

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(10/31/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli told WEEI.com he had received a cortisone shot early during this postseason due to the effects of the platar fasciitis in his left foot. Napoli had previously received a cortisone shot in August.

Planning to treat his injury with rest, Napoli does not expect to have offseason surgery to heal his foot.

The free agent-to-be didn't initially think he would need to get a second shot, but said, "I wanted to do anything I could to try and stay on the field." Napoli also expressed a desire to remain with the Red Sox, saying, "When the time comes I’m pretty sure we’re going to have some conversations. I hope to be back here next year."

Mike Napoli returns to lineup for Game 6

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(10/30/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has returned to the team's starting lineup for Game 6 of the World Series.

Napoli will play first base as the team returns to Boston. David Ortiz started at first when the team played in St. Louis. He'll assume his normal spot at DH while Napoli reclaims first. Napoli will hit fourth against Michael Wacha.

Mike Napoli could play 3B in late innings

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/27/2013)Red Sox manager John Farrell said Sunday that while first baseman Mike Napoli won't start at third base during the World Series, he could be used at the position in the late innings as part of a double switch, the Boston Globe reports.

Napoli took grounders at third base before Saturday's Game 3 but has never played the position in a major-league game. He is on the bench for the second consecutive day Sunday with normal designated hitter David Ortiz playing first base.

Mike Napoli to see work at 3B?

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10/26/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napolifielded grounders at third base prior to Game 3 of the World Series against the Cardinals in St. Louis Saturday, the Providence Journal reports. Napoli was moved to the bench for Saturday's game in favor David Ortiz.

The Red Sox won't have the benefit of a designated hitter in a National League park, which means Napoli could lose his playing time to Ortiz at first base unless he starts at third base. He has not played at third base since his minor-league days with the Angels in 2004.

Napoli went 1 for 4 with a three-run double in Game 1 and 0 for 4 in Game 2. He owns a .225/.326/.475 slash line with two home runs and six RBI over 40 at-bats in the postseason.

Mike Napoli won't catch in World Series

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/24/2013)Red Sox manager John Farrell said Thursday that there's no chance first baseman Mike Napoli will play catcher when the series shifts to St. Louis, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Red Sox won't have the benefit of a designated hitter when the teams play in a National League park, which means either Napoli or normal designated hitter David Ortiz will have to leave the starting lineup in Games 3 and 4 as well as a potential Game 5.

Mike Napoli delivers three-run double in Game 1 win

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/23/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli began the scoring in Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday, smacking a three-run double off Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright in the first inning of his team's eventual 8-1 win.

Napoli came to the plate with the bases loaded in the first inning after the umpires correctly overruled an out call at second base on a muffed catch by the shortstop. He promptly cleared them with a double to left-center. He came up again in the second inning with two outs and runners on first and third, but smacked it right back to the pitcher to end the inning.

Next, Napoli grounded back to the pitcher in the fifth inning, resulting in a fielder's choice after beating the potential double-play throw to first base. He got a hold of one in the seventh inning, but the liner went straight to the center fielder, leaving him 1 for 4 with three RBI in Game 1.

Mike Napoli wants to stay in Boston

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10/18/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli told reporters after Game 5 of the American League Championship Series that he would like to play in Boston next season. Napoli owned a .259/.360/.482 slash line with 23 homers and 92 RBI in his first season with the Red Sox.

He's expected to become a free agent at the end of the postseason.

"I'm not worried about that right now, and I don't think (the Red Sox) are right now," Napoli said, per the Boston Herald. "We're trying to win a championship. I want to be here. I love it here. It's a great situation, great city, the fans are awesome. It's been awesome. I mean, I want to be here, but we'll worry about that later."

Mike Napoli homers in three-hit performance in Game 5

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/18/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli began the scoring Thursday with a 460-foot home run and added two more hits in his team's 4-3 win over the Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.

Napoli has feasted on Tiger pitching in Detroit, going 6 for 12 with two doubles and two home runs in Games 3, 4 and 5. He's just 1 for 10 in four games at home during the postseason, where the Red Sox will face the Tigers in Game 6 Saturday.

Mike Napoli breaks scoreless tie with HR

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10/15/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli changed the outcome of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against Detroit with one swing of the bat.

Napoli took Tigers' ace Justin Verlander deep for a solo home run in the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie. He finished 1 for 4 with one run scored and one RBI in a 1-0 victory. He has only three hits in 21 postseason at-bats.

Mike Napoli says foot is fine

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(10/1/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli said his foot felt fine Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe.

Napoli had missed some time with a foot injury, but was able to return late in the year. There should be no concern about his ability to play in the postseason. Napoli hit .259/.360/.482 in 498 at-bats.

Mike Napoli returns to Red Sox lineup

Napoli has missed the past week with a foot injury. The Red Sox were likely being cautious with the division in hand, as the injury hasn't been described as anything more than a sore foot. He may get another day or two of rest over the club's final series this weekend against Baltimore.

Mike Napoli returning Friday at first base

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/25/2013)Red Sox designated hitter Mike Napoli, who remains out Wednesday in Colorado, is available to pinch-hit despite his foot issue, the Boston Herald reports. Boston plans on having him start at first base on Friday at Baltimore.

Mike Napoli sits yet again

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(9/25/2013)After sitting out three straight games due to plantar fasciitis, Mike Napoli was missing from the lineup again on Wednesday. David Ortiz started at first base for the Red Sox for their game at the Rockies.

The benching was a surprise, as the Boston Globe had reported that Napoli was tentatively scheduled to start after being out since Saturday.

Mike Napoli gets extended rest

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(9/24/2013)Mike Napoli sat out the Red Sox's games against the Blue Jays on Saturday and Sunday, and after a day off on Monday, he was out of the starting lineup yet again on Tuesday. David Ortiz got the nod at first base for the series opener at the Rockies.

According to the Boston Herald, Napoli is getting a few days to rest his left foot, but he could return to start in Wednesday's game.

Mike Napoli hits 22nd home run

by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com

(9/16/2013)Red Sox catcher Mike Napoli hit his 22nd home run in Sunday's win over the Yankees.

Napoli finished 1 for 3 with the two-run blast and a walk. He's hitting .262/.357/.485 and has been on a tear in September -- he owns an absurd .424/.558/.909 line in 12 games this month.

Mike Napoli out of the lineup Friday

by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com

(9/13/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is out of Friday's lineup against the Yankees, the Boston Globe reports. Napoli is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's contest.

Mike Napoli earns incentive

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/12/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has earned his $8 million incentive, according to WEEI.

Napoli has spent 165 days on the club's active roster, meaning he will receive his incentive. He will now make $13 million. Napoli is hitting .260 in 465 at-bats.

Mike Napoli, Will Middlebrooks share weekly AL honors

The duo helped lead Boston to its highest-scoring four-game span since 1950 last week. The Red Sox scored 54 runs and hit 17 homers last week over that span and Napoli and Middlebrooks were in the middle of everything.

The first baseman Napoli went 10 for 21 (.476) with two doubles, four home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored over seven games. He reached base in nine consecutive plate appearances at one point.

Middlebrooks was 13 for 28 (.464) for the week with a double, four homers, nine RBI and eight runs scored. He homered in three straight games and hit the game-tying homer in a loss Sunday to the Yankees.

Mike Napoli homers twice in outburst

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(9/7/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli had another big game Saturday, in a 13-9 win over the Yankees.

One night after homering and driving in four, Napoli might have topped himself. He drove in three with two home runs, while going 2 for 5 with two runs scored.

Napoli now has 21 home runs and 85 RBI, while batting .260/.351/.480 in 458 at-bats.

Mike Napoli brings Boston back with grand slam

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(9/7/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli belted his 19th home run among three hits Friday during a win at the Yankees.

Napoli hit a seventh-inning grand slam off Boone Logan with two outs to tie the score at eight runs apiece in game Boston would go on to win.

Napoli finished 3 for 3 with two walks and three runs scored. He's batting .258 on the year, but has gone 8 for 13 over his last four apperances with two doubles, two homers, six RBI and five runs scored.

Mike Napoli out of lineup Tuesday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(9/3/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the team's starting lineup Tuesday against the Tigers.

Napoli will be replaced by Mike Carp at first. Napoli is hitting .248/.340/.445 in 440 at-bats. He's been dealing with a foot injury, but is expected to play through it.

Mike Napoli to play through foot injury

Manager John Farrell confirmed Napoli will attempt to manage the pain in his foot. It's the type of injury Napoli will deal with all year, but trainers believe he'll be able to play through it. Farrell added that this is not an injury that should impact Napoli long-term.

Napoli is hitting .251/.341/.448 in 422 at-bats.

Mike Napoli slugs his way past Dodgers

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/26/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli belted his 16th home run Sunday against the Dodgers.

Napoli also hit a double, finishing the game 2 for 4. He had two runs scored and three RBI. Napoli is hitting .251/.341/.448 in 422 at-bats.

Mike Napoli playing after cortisone injection

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/24/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has been playing through plantar fasciitis in his left foot over the last few weeks, but he thinks he will be able to manage the pain moving forward. According to the Boston Herald Saturday, Napoli received a cortisone injection in the foot last week, a step that should help him play through the injury.

"My foot feels better," he said. "Everything's fine. The reason why I got the injection was because I was at a point where it was bothering me pretty good. I’m going to go into treatment for every day, like I’ve been."

Mike Napoli out Wednesday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/21/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the club's starting lineup Wednesday against the Giants.

Napoli has a foot injury, but was able to get some playing time Tuesday. David Ortiz will play first base. Napoli is hitting .245/.336./437 in 412 at-bats.

Mike Napoli comes in despite injury

(8/21/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Giants due to a lingering foot injury, but he was able to bat and play in the field later in the game.

Napoli entered the game at first base in the bottom of the eighth, and grounded out in the next inning in his lone at-bat. He had missed the previous three games, but could be able to play through the injury after appearing in Tuesday's game, a 3-2 loss.

Mike Napoli sitting again Tuesday

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/20/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli remained out of the starting lineup Tuesday in San Francisco due to his foot injury, the Boston Globe reports.

Napoli has been out since Friday and manager John Farrell didn't make it sound like he was ready to return just yet. With the Red Sox playing without the use of a designated hitter in a National League ballpark, the team is using this time to get him some rest.

Mike Napoli needs time to 'regroup'

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/20/2013)Red Sox manager John Farrell didn't sound confident first baseman Mike Napoli (foot) would return to the lineup Tuesday at San Francisco. Napoli has been out of the lineup since Friday.

"He's been banged up with the foot thing for a month and a half. He needs a couple of days to regroup and get treatment," Farrell told MLB Network Radio.

Mike Napoli still out for Boston

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/19/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli remained out of the lineup Monday in San Francisco as he continues to be plagued by left foot plantar fasciitis.

Napoli is considered day to day for Boston at the moment. He missed Saturday and Sunday's games. Napoli has gone just 5 for 42 (.119) over his last 12 games with a homer, five RBI and 17 strikeouts.

Mike Napoli sitting out Sunday

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/18/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli did not appear in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees. Napoli was scratched Saturday due to left foot plantar fasciitis.

Napoli suggested Saturday that he would only need a short time off his feet to return to action, but couldn't get back in the lineup Sunday. He is day to day.

Napoli has gone just 5 for 42 (.119) over his last 12 games with a homer, five RBI and 17 strikeouts.

Mike Napoli scratched with plantar faciitis issue

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/17/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was scratched from Saturday's game against the Yankees due to left foot plantar fasciitis, the Boston Globe reports. Shane Victorino got the start in the outfield with Mike Carp moving to first base.

Napoli will visit with the doctor and expects to just need a day off his feet. He doesn't believe the issue is bothering him at the plate.

That said, Napoli has gone just 5 for 42 (.119) over his last 12 games with a homer, five RBI and 17 strikeouts.

Mike Napoli out Thursday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/15/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the team's starting lineup Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Napoli had been in a bit of a slump lately, but managed to hit a home run Wednesday. He'll be replaced at first by Daniel Nava. Napoli is hitting .245/.335/.436 in 408 at-bats.

Mike Napoli belts game-tying two-run homer

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/14/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was 0 for 3 in Wednesday's game at Toronto. He was slumping bad heading into the top of the ninth inning with Boston losing 3-1.

Napoli blasted out of his funk with a clutch two-run home run off Brett Cecil in the ninth, the 15th of the season for the slugger. It came with two outs. Napoli finished the game 1 for 5 and is batting .245.

The 31-year-old had been pressing badly and homered for the first time since July 24. He had just three hits in his previous 10 games entering Wednesday's contest. Hopefully the big HR sets him right as he can shake out of the slump that has hindered his performance for a while now.

Red Sox drop struggling Mike Napoli in lineup

"We moved him down to the seven hole today, and we wanted him to know that we recognize he’s grinding and he’s going through a stretch where things haven’t gone his way," Farrell said during a radio interview with WEEI. "We haven’t lost confidence in him, and yet we feel like there have been opportunities that have presented themselves where he’s come up in some big spots.

"I just felt like as Mike is working through this, he’s dropped down in the lineup and we may pick some spots throughout the course of a given week to get him off his feet and keep him as fresh as possible."

Napoli, who is batting .135 in 11 August games, is on board with the lineup change.

"Mike’s aware of it. He’s a smart guy," Farrell said. "He’s been around a while, and while it may be disappointing initially, his comments back to me were, 'Listen. All I want to do is win, and whatever you feel is the right setup or right combination, I’m on board.' From my standpoint, you couldn’t ask for any better response, honestly."

Mike Napoli could be lowered in lineup

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/7/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli did not get the start Wednesday at Houston as manager John Farrell wanted to keep him off his feet for some rest, the Boston Globe reports. That said, Farrell also had some interesting comments regarding Napoli's slump at the plate.

"That’s something I need to talk with Mike before we get into it any further," Farrell said when asked if he'd consider moving Napoli lower in the lineup. "Right now, he’s grinding and as a result I think the swing has gotten a little bit longer at times and that’s where you see him having to commit earlier to above-average velocity. Does that make him susceptible to a bigger strike zone? Possibly. These are the thing that are being addressed daily and certainly with the early work [Wednesday]."

Napoli, batting .251 with 14 homers and 64 runs driven in on the year, has gone just 5 for 41 (.122) over his last 11 games with 19 strikeouts.

Mike Napoli breathes sigh of relief after latest MRI

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(8/7/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli said the results of an MRI revealed his degenerative hip condition -- avascular necrosis -- hasn’t gotten any worse, according to WEEI.

"I feel like I’m going to be healthy and everything is fine," Napoli said Tuesday. "I took another MRI and it was exactly identical to my last MRI. That was great news."

Napoli underwent the MRI July 21. He was initially expected to receive a follow-up MRI three months after his first one in February, but the scan was pushed back until after the All-Star break.

"I’ve played three-quarters of the year, and to have it identical to the last one, that’s where we want it to be," he said. "It was definitely a good feeling. When they told me I was excited about it.

"You don’t really know how it’s going to turn out. I feel fine, but I felt fine before. I didn’t even know I had it. Going into it there was this weird feeling of not knowing if it got worse. I was kind of scared to take the MRI. I wasn’t feeling anything, but I thought about what if it was getting worse and they said I had to do something about it. Being told that is just a great feeling."

Mike Napoli sitting Thursday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(8/1/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the team's starting lineup Thursday against the Mariners.

Napoli will be replaced by Mike Carp at first. Napoli has started six straight games, and is likely receiving a normal day of rest. Napoli is hitting .257/.341/.459 in 366 at-bats.

Mike Napoli swats walkoff homer vs. Yanks

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(7/22/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli showed some late-game heroics as he launched a walkoff solo home run -- his second of the night -- to clinch an 8-7 win over the Yankees.

Napoli clubbed a three-run homer in the third to give Boston an early lead and hit a walkoff home run in the 11th. He finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored and four RBI, improving his batting average to .258. He has 13 homers and 62 RBI in 333 at-bats. He is 13 RBI away from matching a career-high mark set in 2011, the year his club -- the Rangers -- made the World Series.

Mike Napoli feeling healthy

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(7/14/2013)The Red Sox gave another day off to Mike Napoli Sunday in Oakland, the Boston Herald reports. Napoli says he's healthy and won't have another checkup on his hips until after the All-Star break.

The slugger is batting .260 on the season with 11 homers and 58 RBI. He's gone 10 for 40 (.250) thus far after 10 games in July with two long balls and four RBI. He's struck out 19 times in his last 10 games.

Mike Napoli gets a breather Thursday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(7/11/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Mariners.

Napoli has started seven straight games. He'll be replaced by Mike Carp at first. Napoli is hitting .254/.341/.438 in 315 at-bats.

Mike Napoli makes it count

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(7/10/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli only had one hit Tuesday against the Mariners, but he made it count.

In the top of the third inning, Napoli took a first-pitch slider from Hisashi Iwakuma out to right-center for a two run shot. Napoli struck out in three of his other four at-bats. He's hitting .256/.340/.442, with 11 home runs, in 312 at-bats.

Mike Napoli sitting out Wednesday

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(7/3/2013)The Red Sox gave first baseman Mike Napoli a rest Wednesday against the Padres, WEEI.com reports. Mike Carp got the start at first base instead.

Napoli is hitting just .231 in his last 10 games and hasn't homered since June 1 for the Red Sox. That came against the Yankees.

Mike Napoli returns Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/28/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has returned to the starting lineup Friday against the Blue Jays.

Napoli is scheduled to go for a three-month check-up on his hip, so it's promising to see him in the lineup. He missed Thursday's game, but it was considered a normal day off. Napoli is hitting .264/.344/.447 in 273 at-bats.

Mike Napoli to have MRI on hip

The MRI is part of Napoli's "three-month check-up." The team will make sure his offseason hip issue hasn't regressed after a few months. Napoli said playing first has helped him stay healthy. "My body has never felt this good at this time of year," Napoli said. "Just playing first base is way different. … The hip is fine. Physically, I'm good."

Napoli is hitting .264/.344/.447 in 273 at-bats.

Mike Napoli on the bench

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/27/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Napoli will be replaced by Mike Carp, who will hit fifth against Chien-Ming Wang. Napoli is hitting .264/.344/.447 in 273 at-bats.

Mike Napoli reaches three times

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(6/25/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli reached base three times and drove in two runs Tuesday during an 11-4 drubbing of the Rockies.

Napoli went 2 for 4 in the game and now has 52 RBI on the season. He singled home a run in the second inning and added another RBI single in the seventh.

The 31-year-old has gone 6 for 18 over a four-game hitting streak with three RBI. He's driven in 52 runs over 269 at-bats on the year with 21 doubles and nine homers. Napoli has a .264 batting average.

Mike Napoli reaches base twice in return

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(6/18/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli started the day doubleheader game against Tampa Bay Tuesday. Napoli, who had missed the previous three games due to an illness, was not in the lineup for the nightcap.

Napoli went 1 for 3 in his return to the lineup with a single and a walk. He's batting .263 on the season with nine homers and 49 RBI.

Mike Napoli returns to lineup

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/18/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is in the team's starting lineup Tuesday against the Rays.

Napoli has missed the last three games due to an illness. He'll return and hit fifth in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. Napoli is hitting .262/.347/.467 in 244 at-bats.

Mike Napoli expected to play in doubleheader

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/17/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, who has missed the last three games with an illness, is feeling much better Monday and is expected to play in at least one game during Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rays, according to The Boston Globe. Napoli is mired in a 5-for-29 slump in his last nine games and hasn't homered in 10 games.

Mike Napoli feeling better for Red Sox

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(6/16/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, who was sent home to Boston to be checked out by doctors and diagnosed with a general illness, was much improved Sunday, the Boston Herald reports.

Napoli is day to day and hopeful he can return to play Tuesday against the Rays.

Mike Napoli diagnosed with 'general illness'

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(6/16/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli remained out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale in Baltimore. Napoli has been dealing with an illness and was sent home to Boston Saturday to be checked by doctors.

Napoli was diagnosed with a "general illness," said manager John Farrell, the Boston Globe reports. Napoli experienced dizziness and nausea after leaving Thursday's game against the Orioles. He is considered day to day.

Mike Napoli sent home ill

Napoli was not available to play Saturday against the Orioles in Baltimore. The good news is that he does not have concussion symptoms.

Mike Napoli still sitting out

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(6/15/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli missed a second game Saturday against the Orioles due to his illness. Napoli is day to day.

Napoli had to leave Thursday's game due to the illness. He doubled in his only at-bat in the second inning before being replaced by Mike Carp in that Thursday game. He is hitting .262 with nine homers and 49 RBI in 66 games.

Mike Napoli out of Friday's lineup

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/14/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is not in the team's lineup Friday.

Napoli will be replaced by the hot-hitting Mike Carp at first. Napoli had to leave Thursday's game with an undisclosed illness, which could be the reason for him not being in the starting lineup.

Napoli is hitting .262/.347/.467 in 244 at-bats this season.

Mike Napoli exits with illness

Napoli doubled in his only at-bat in the second inning before being replaced by Mike Carp. He is hitting .262 with nine homers and 49 RBI in 66 games. His status for Friday's game is still up in the air.

Mike Napoli gets rare day off

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/10/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was held out of the starting lineup for just the third time in 65 games Monday against the Rays, replaced by Mike Carp. Since hitting a grand slam June 1, Napoli is batting .208 (5 for 24) with three RBI and six walks in his last seven games.

Mike Napoli comes up grand for Red Sox

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(6/2/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli launched his second grand slam of the season and the fifth of his career in Saturday's 11-1 victory over the Yankees.

Napoli took starter Phil Hughes deep in the third inning for a grand slam. He added two more singled and finished 3 for 5 with a run scored and four RBI. He is hitting .269 with nine homers and 44 RBI in 56 games played.

Mike Napoli looking to put it all together

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(5/28/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli entered Monday's game against the Phillies riding a 12-game homerless streak, a stretch he ended in the first inning of a 9-3 win. Napoli finished the game 2 for 4 with a walk, two runs scored and two driven in, signs that he is starting to heat up.

Monday was Napoli's first multi-hit game since May 12, but he has walked 11 times in the last 13 games to make up for a .214 batting average.

"When you’re struggling, [you're] just trying to get on base any way you can," Napoli said. "Just trying to swing at strikes, and I’ve been able to get deep into counts and work some walks, but I like to be a little more aggressive like I was tonight and just keep grinding out at-bats."

Mike Napoli has third May home run

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(5/12/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli hit his seventh home run Sunday against the Blue Jays. Napoli led off the fourth inning with the home run off Chad Jenkins, who was making his season debut.

Napoli had his 17th double and finished 3 for 4 with two runs. It was Napoli's third three-hit game and second in May. He is batting .267 (12 for 45) with three home runs, four doubles and six RBI in 12 May games.

Mike Napoli driving in runs again

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(5/2/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli entered Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays with just two RBI in his previous seven games, but he made a big impact quickly in the game.

Napoli hit an estimated 472-foot solo home run in the fourth inning of the game, and followed it up with a 467-foot home run in the seventh inning that plated three. He went 3 for 4 in the game with a walk and four RBI to lead the Red Sox to a 10-1 win.

Napoli is now .287 on the season, with six home runs and 31 RBI, the latter of which leads the American League. He has also struck out 40 times in just 108 at bats.

Playing first making difference for Mike Napoli

"One-hundred percent,” said Napoli when asked if the benefits of not catching have made a difference. "I’m not saying that’s why I’m doing good, hitting and defensively. But my body definitely feels a lot better. Mentally there’s less that I have to do in a day. I would have to come in for meetings and that extra 30 minutes talking to a pitcher about a game-plan, I don’t have to do that anymore. You go out there tackle baseball and try to hit homers. I have a good feeling coming to the park. I like where I’m at right now."

Napoli is batting .409 over his last six games with six doubles, two homers and nine RBI. For the season he's batting .283 with four homers and is leading the league with 27 RBI.

He is the first major league player to reach 27 RBI and 17 extra-base hits over the first 23 games of a season since Alex Rodriguez in 2007.

Mike Napoli holding up well

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(4/24/2013)Red Sox catcher Mike Napoli has taken well to his new surroundings in Boston, and being able to avoid playing catcher seems to be helping the 31-year-old.

Napoli has been the team's main run producer through the first three-plus weeks of the season, as he has a major-league leading 25 RBI through 20 games. Napoli is batting .268 overall, but has been a different player with men on base. He has a .333 batting averaging, with three of his four home runs coming with men on.

Napoli gives Fantasy owners the best of both worlds right now, as he is avoiding the wear and tear of playing catcher, while retaining catcher eligibility. Keep him active moving forward.

Mike Napoli swats grand slam for BoSox

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(4/22/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli had another monster effort on Monday night during a 9-6 win over the Athletics. Napoli hit a grand slam in the fifth inning off starter A.J. Griffin.

Napoli, who went 2 for 4 in the game and added an RBI double, cleared the bases for his fourth HR of the season. The five RBI gave him 25 this season.

"I'd hate to think where we'd be without him," manager John Farrell told the Boston Herald.

Napoli has taken over the American League lead in RBI. He's batting .278 and has gone 5 for 9 in his last two games with two homers, two doubles and seven RBI.

Red Sox teammates nab weekly AL honor

Napoli hit .345 (10 for 29) with one home run, one triple, five doubles and 10 RBI in seven games from April 15-21. Bailey, who is filling in as closer for the injured Joel Hanrahan, was 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA and three saves in five games last week. He also struck out eight in five innings.

Mike Napoli shows power

by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com

(4/22/2013)After going 0 for 3 with an RBI and a walk in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Royals, Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli was much better in the nightcap. He went 3 for 5 with a homer and two RBI in a 5-4 loss.

Napoli led off the second inning with a solo home run and doubled his next time up. He then singled home Daniel Nava in the fifth.

Boston put runners on first and second in the ninth, and Napoli hit a long fly ball to center field that Lorenzo Cain caught just short of the warning track.

"He's come up with some big hits for us in some RBI situations," manager John Farrell said. "Unfortunately, that last at-bat where he squares up the ball to the track in center field is somewhat of a picture of this entire day, where we miss a couple of opportunities when we had men in scoring position. And that was the difference in the two games today."

Mike Napoli getting timing down

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/15/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli appears to be turning a corner offensively. After stroking a two-run double Sunday against the Rays, Napoli bounced back with the game-winning hit -- a two-out double -- in the bottom of the ninth Monday against Tampa Bay.

Napoli, who has 11 RBI in 12 games, is batting .220 (11 for 50) with two home runs and 16 strikeouts.

"I think, of late, he's (Napoli) gaining some consistency to his timing, particularly on some pitches away," manager John Farrell said before Monday's game, per MLB.com. "When he's right, he's driving those balls to right-center field or staying in the middle of the field. He's gaining some consistency."

Mike Napoli doesn't miss grind of catching

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/15/2013)The Red Sox made it through the first 11 games without having to use Mike Napoli at catcher, which seems to be a welcomed approach by the veteran slugger.

"It was a grind at times," Napoli said of catching, per MLB.com. "You really enjoy that, being back there and working with the pitcher and stuff. Being in spring training, and how my body feels now compared to how it used to feel coming out of spring training, I don't miss that. I don't miss the grind. It's tough back there. You're taking foul tips all the time, you're up and down, you're tired. You get to your third at-bat and your legs are spent. That's the part I don't miss."

Napoli said he's enjoyed his transition to being a full-time first baseman.

"I actually feel good," he said. "When I used to play there every once in a while, it was like, 'Just hit it somewhere else.' I don't want to mess up the pitcher, I don't want anything to happen because of me, where the pitcher is out there busting his tail and I'm over there making errors. Now I want the ball. I want the ball hit to me and I want to make a play."

Mike Napoli puts Red Sox on board

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(4/14/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli only recorded one hit on Sunday against the Rays, but it was a big one. Napoli put the Red Sox on the board in the third inning with a two-run double to deep center field.

Napoli helped the Red Sox go on to win 5-0 in the game as Clay Buchholz pitched a gem. He finished 1 for 4 at the plate and added a run scored. Napoli is batting .217.

The 31-year-old has recorded a hit in three straight games and the double is his fifth extra-base hit of the season as he's now jup to 10 RBI after 11 games.

Mike Napoli drives in four runs

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(4/7/2013)Boston designated hitter Mike Napoli was one of several run producers in the Red Sox's 13-0 victory in Toronto Sunday. Napoli homered for the second time this season.

Napoli, who had a two-run shot in the eighth off Dave Bush, was 2 for 5. He also had a two-run double in the first and had four RBI.

Napoli, who also scored twice, raised his batting average to .179 after struggling to start the season. He's 3 for 14 in his last three games with a double, two homers, seven RBI and three runs scored.

Mike Napoli launches first home run with new club

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(4/6/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli uncorked his first home run of the season during Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays.

Napoli took starter Josh Johnson deep in the fifth inning for a two-run shot. He also added another run on a ground out in the eighth inning as he finished 1 for 5 with a run scored and three RBI in a 6-4 victory. Napoli has a hit in each of the last three games and upped his batting to .158 after a slow start.

"It always feels good to hit a homer," Napoli said. "I haven't been feeling too good at the plate. My timing's been off a little bit. I've been working every day with it and feeling better and better every at bat."

Mike Napoli hitless in Boston debut

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/1/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli failed to record a hit in his Boston debut Monday. Napoli was just one of three starters not to record a hit in an 8-2 win on opening day.

Napoli, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, finished 0 for 5 with two strikeouts. He stranded four runners.

Mike Napoli free of concerns

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(11:01 am ET)Boston's Mike Napoli, who began spring training with much worry over a degenerative condition discovered in his hips, is now free of concern as the season gets set to begin, reports the Boston Globe.

"They cleared me after all that, and I’ve been going at it like any other year," he said Saturday. "I feel great."

Napoli, who will undergo an MRI every three months to check up on the condition, hit .306 this spring over 49 at-bats to prove his health. He homered twice and drove in nine runs. The slugger is expected to bat cleanup for the Red Sox with David Ortiz on the disabled list.

Mike Napoli continues hot spring

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/28/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli doubled in four at bats Wednesday against the Marlins, giving him six hits in his last 11 at-bats. He had slowed down in the middle of March after being hit on the wrist by a pitch on March 11, but he looks to be back in the groove, hitting .333/.383/.548 this spring.

Napoli not slowing down

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/12/2013)Mike Napoli played consecutive games for the first time this spring training and had a run-scoring single and a double, helping the Boston Red Sox defeat the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-3, Tuesday. Napoli, diagnosed with avascular necrosis in both hips during his offseason contract negotiations with the Red Sox, is batting .429 (6 for 14) with two homers and six RBI in six spring games.

Napoli fine after beaning

(3/11/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli endured a scary moment in Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Marlins when he took a pitch off his left wrist in the third inning. Napoli was able to remain in the game, however, and finished 0 for 1 with a walk. "Any time you get hit around your hand area, it doesnt take much for something to go wrong,'' Napoli told the Boston Herald. "At first it was a little numb and then I kind of got feeling back into it.''

Slugging Napoli finds the time

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(3/3/2013)Boston catcher Mike Napoli went 1 for 2 with his first homer of the spring during the Red Sox's 5-2 loss to the Yankees in Grapefruit League play Sunday. Napoli continued to show no problems with his hip during his second spring training game and sent his solo homer an estimated 420 feet over the fence in center field. "I got a pitch I can drive," Napoli told ESPN.com. "I tried to put a good swing on it and hit it pretty well. That was a nice one. It feels good, my timing feels good. You work, you do your BPs, and its nice when it carries over to the game."

Napoli hits the field for BoSox

(3/1/2013)Mike Napoli made his debut for the Red Sox in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates after dealing with a lingering him issue. He received the start at first base and went 1 for 2 with an RBI and a run scored. Napoli signed a three-year, $39 million deal with Boston in the offseason but it was scaled down to one-year, $5 million due to his injury concern. "I felt good," Napoli told MLB.com. "I felt comfortable over there. I should, after all the work we've put in on the backfields and just working on it. Everything felt good, my legs felt good and I was happy to be in there."

Napoli to play Friday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/25/2013)Red Sox manager John Farrell announced Monday first baseman Mike Napoli, who has been limited at the outset of camp because of a chronic hip problem, is scheduled to play in his first spring game Friday. He will play at first base and received a couple of at-bats.

Napoli closer to game action

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/24/2013)The Boston Globe reports Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (hip) ran the bases for 10 minutes Sunday. He passed another hurdle as he inches closer to his spring debut. Up until Sunday, Napoli was limited to batting practice and fielding drills because of a chronic hip problem. "It felt good just running," Napoli said. "Just progress from there. I had a little conversation about it at the end, I want to get close to that full burst from first to third." Napoli hopes to make his spring debut later in the week. "It feels good. I expect to be fine. I'm just going through the steps of what they want me to do," Napoli said. "I'm fine with it, as long as I'm ready for opening day, which I should be easily. It's a long spring, I'll just get myself in shape and get ready to go."

Napoli to enter the running

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2/23/2013)Boston first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli is scheduled to begin running the bases Sunday as part of the program to strengthen his ailing hip, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler reports. The Red Sox have been conservative with Napoli's workload this spring as he transitions to a full-time spot at first base. However, the 31-year-old has shrugged off any concern. "I'm full go," he said Saturday.

Napoli not ready for games

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/21/2013)Red Sox manager John Farrell said Thursday first baseman Mike Napoli, who is being brought along slowly because of his chronic hip problems, might run the bases early next week and could play in spring games later in the week. "We just want to be sure, in Mikes case, that the impact of the addition to all the defensive work, we have to run him through the bases, we have some running yet to do with him but theres no reason to think hes going to ramp up without any setback," Farrell said, per WEEI.com.

First watch continues for Napoli

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2/19/2013)Boston first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli showcased his health and participated in fielding drills without any issues over the weekend, ESPN reports. Napoli, who was cleared to return to full baseball activity last Friday after an MRI on his hip came back clean, fielded 50 ground balls at first base to continue his transition from behind the plate. "It feels good," he said. "The first couple of days I was sitting around and was telling everybody, 'Yeah, I want to play, too.' Its finally nice to get out there and be a part of everything and to be able to do everything."

Napoli gets positive news

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(2/16/2013)Boston catcher-turned-first baseman Mike Napoli underwent an MRI on Thursday and the results came back positive for the veteran and the Red Sox, reports the Boston Globe. Napoli has avascular necrosis in his hips, but medication is helping him deal with it. The MRI showed it isn't getting worse and will allow him to start doing defensive drills and begin running more. "I'm going to start doing a lot more things," he said this morning. "To actually take the MRI and get the results, it's good news. ... It stayed the same, it didn't get worse. That's what we wanted."

Napoli scheduled for MRI

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/13/2013)The Boston Herald reports Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli, who was diagnosed with Avascular necrosis (AVN) this offseason, is scheduled for an MRI Thursday. If all goes well with the scan on his hip, then Napoli could be cleared for defensive drills.

Napoli not playing first just yet

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(2/12/2013)Red Sox first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli will not play first base until after he has an MRI to determine his hip situation, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. "He's still restricted from any kind of impact or pounding," Farrell told MLB.com. "So right now it's a matter of him taking batting practice, keeping his arm in shape. He'll go through another MRI later this week for another update and a recheck."

Napoli's hip not holding him back

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(2/10/2013)Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli said his chronic hip problem, which was diagnosed as Avascular necrosis (AVN), hasn't stopped him in his preparation for the 2013 season. I dont have any symptoms, Napoli said Sunday, per WEEI.com. I went through a physical and they checked out my hip and they found I had AVN. Its something I dont feel. Im on medicine now. I have an MRI coming up to see how everything is and just go from there. Just take it day by day and see what happens. Ive been hitting, throwing, doing everything, working out. I was doing everything before I found out I had it. We took a little step back, staying off impact for a while, see what that does and just go from there.

Napoli's condition caught early

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(1/26/2013)Newly-acquired catcher Mike Napoli of the Boston Red Sox should be able to have a long playing career, reports the Providence Journal Saturday. Napoli's hip condition has been caught early enough in order to prevent it from worsening over time. Doctors believe he "has a good chance to go on to a long productive career."

Napoli officially a Red Sox

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/22/2013)The Red Sox announced Tuesday they signed first baseman Mike Napoli to a one-year contract. After a three-year deal between the two sides fell apart over hip issues found during a team-administered physical, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $5 million, with performance bonuses. "We found some things in my hip. We had to talk about it and move in a different direction," Napoli said, per the Boston Globe. "I don't have any symptoms. I'm on medication to help me get through it. I played with it last year. No reason I can't be there opening day."

Report: Napoli deal signed

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/21/2013)ESPN reports a source said the Red Sox have officially signed Mike Napoli and the deal will be announced Tuesday. After a three-year deal between the two sides fell apart over hip issues found during a team-administered physical, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $5 million, with performance bonuses.

Report: Napoli, Sox agree to deal

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(1/17/2013)After a three-year deal between the two sides fell apart over hip issues found during a team-administered physical, the Red Sox and catcher Mike Napoli have agreed to a smaller, one-year deal, according to WEEI. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that Napoli's deal is worth $5 million, with performance bonuses.

Napoli situation coming to head

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(1/16/2013)Though a failed physical negated the three-year, $39 million offer the Red Sox made to free agent catcher Mike Napoli earlier this offseason, the two sides have been working on a new deal in the weeks since, and according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, the situation should be resolved by late January. Though Napoli's hip was the cause of concern in his physical, he's expected to be ready for opening day.

Sox trying to talk Napoli down to one year

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(1/12/2013)ESPN.com reported Friday that the Red Sox remain in negotiations with free agent catcher Mike Napoli, and are trying to shorten their previously-agreed-to deal to just one guaranteed year, due to concerns about Napolis health following a failed physical. The two sides remain in contact, and it is not yet known whether Napoli is interested in taking a shorter deal.

BoSox-Napoli deal still 'hopeful'

(1/7/2013)The Boston Globe reported Monday that the Red Sox are still 'hopeful' to get a deal done with Mike Napoli. Napoli agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract in early December but a pre-existing hip issue that turned up during the physical halted the deal. Napoli remains a free agent.

New inquiries on Napoli emerge

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(12/27/2012)WEEI.com reports that at least one team other than the Red Sox has expressed an interest in signing free agent catcher Mike Napoli. The Red Sox and Napoli agreed on a three-year, $39 million deal earlier this month, but it has yet to be finalized due to concerns over one of his hips. Though Napoli's representatives have not received any new contract offers, at least one team has been in contact with them in regard to his status.

Hip delaying Napoli deal

(12/21/2012)FOXSports.com reported Friday that the deal between the Red Sox and Mike Napoli has been delayed because the 31-year-old has a problem with one of his hips. The report also said that the same issue caused the Mariners to back off their pursuit of Napoli. Napoli agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract with Boston earlier in the month.

Napoli deal in jeopardy

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(12/17/2012)According to SI.com, the Red Sox are renegotiating their deal with free agent catcher Mike Napoli. The two sides agreed to a three-year, $39 million deal on Dec. 3, but Napoli failed the physical that would have finalized the deal. According to the report, the concerns are related to his hip-quad area.